If you’re looking to level up your taco night, these smoked brisket tacos bring bold, juicy flavor with every bite—perfect for backyard BBQs, game day, or a weeknight treat.
These brisket tacos start with tender, slow-smoked beef brisket that’s packed with smoky, savory flavor. Piled high on warm tortillas and topped with fresh pico de gallo, tangy pickled onions, and a creamy chipotle sauce, every taco delivers a perfect balance of richness and heat. Whether you’re using leftover brisket or smoking a fresh cut low and slow, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to customize and even easier to devour.
Feeds 4-5 people
Prep time 30 minutes
Cook time
Why Brisket Tacos Work
Brisket’s Rich, Smoky Flavor Elevates the Taco Game: Unlike traditional ground beef or chicken tacos, brisket brings deep, smoky flavor thanks to its long cook time and marbling. Whether smoked low and slow or braised until fork-tender, brisket adds a bold, savory bite that pairs perfectly with fresh toppings and warm tortillas. It’s the kind of meat that turns a good taco into a great one.
The Texture Combo Is Incredibly Satisfying: Brisket, when cooked right, is juicy with just the right amount of bark and pull-apart tenderness. That soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture contrasts beautifully with the crunch of fresh slaw or pickled onions, creating a balanced taco experience in every bite.
They’re Incredibly Versatile and Customizable: Brisket tacos work with a wide range of toppings and flavor profiles. Want something bright and zesty? Add cilantro-lime crema and pickled red onions. Craving heat? Load on jalapeños and spicy salsa. This flexibility makes brisket tacos ideal for pleasing a crowd or reinventing leftovers in a fresh, exciting way.
Great for Meal Prep, Leftovers, or Feeding a Crowd: Brisket is typically cooked in large portions, making it perfect for repurposing into tacos. Whether you’re prepping for the week or throwing a backyard party, brisket tacos are an efficient and delicious way to stretch a single cook into multiple meals without sacrificing flavor.
Ingredients:
- 2.5 pounds brisket point or flat (the one I used was a 2.5 lb flat)
- 1 tablespoon coarse salt and black pepper
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 1 cup beef stock
- 2 white onions (one diced for topping, one quartered for braising)
- Lime wedges, for serving
- Cotija cheese, crumbled
- Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish
Instructions
Season the Brisket: First, pat your brisket dry and generously season it on all sides with salt, pepper, and taco seasoning.
Tip: Let the seasoned brisket sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to absorb.
Preheat and Smoke (or Roast): Next, set your smoker or oven to 225°F (107°C).
Place the brisket directly on the rack or in a roasting tray and cook until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F–170°F (74°C–77°C).
Braise the Brisket: Once it hits temp, remove the brisket and transfer it to a deep oven-safe dish.
Then, pour in 1 cup of beef stock and add 1 quartered onion. Cover tightly with aluminum foil.
Now, increase your smoker or oven temperature to 275°F (135°C).
Return the covered brisket and continue cooking until it’s fall-apart tender — this usually happens around 205°F–208°F (96°C–98°C) internally.
For me, it took about 1 hour of braising, but times may vary.
Rest the Brisket: Once done, poke a few holes in the foil to let some steam escape and rest the brisket for at least 45 minutes.
This step is essential for juicy, tender meat.
Shred and Assemble: Now, shred the brisket to your desired consistency using forks or meat claws.
Warm or toast your favorite tortillas, then load them up with the shredded brisket.
Top with:
- A squeeze of fresh lime juice
- Crumbled cotija cheese
- Diced white onion
- Chopped cilantro
Of course, feel free to get creative with toppings — avocado slices, pickled red onions, or chipotle crema all work great too.
If you are looking for more taco tuesday ideas definitely check out these Short Rib Tacos
Does smoking brisket intimidate you? Have no fear my Smoked Brisket walkthrough is so simple to follow!
